Ashley Nadesan and Ethan Coleman could return to the Gills squad for Bradford's visit to Kent this weekend.
Gillingham v Bradford City
Priestfield Stadium
Sky Bet League Two
Saturday 16th December
Kick-Off, 3pm
Team News:
The Gills head into Matchday 21 with a near fully fit squad at their disposal. Head Coach Stephen Clemence had said in his pre-match press conference this week that there were one or two slight doubts with players amongst the squad, but stopped short of mentioning names.
The players in question had however returned to training on Thursday, and could be in contention to feature this weekend.
As for Bradford City, they have no fresh injury or suspension concernes ahead of the fixture. ex-Gills players Vadaine Oliver and Paddy Osadebe could feature for the visitors.
Manager comments:
Stephen Clemence: “We’ve had a good week’s training.
"One bonus from last weekend’s game being postponed, is that any players who were carrying knocks, strains, little injuries is that those players have had longer to recover from anything they were carrying.
“Bradford have got some very good players. They were a play-off team last year, it’s a big club that are well supported, so it’s obviously going to be a very tough game this weekend. We’ll be fully prepared to take them on.
“We’ve got a busy period coming up.
"I think we’re looking at six games in 22 days, so we’re going to be very busy over the next few weeks. We’ve got a good squad however, and they’re all going to be needed, I’m sure. They’ll all have to be ready."
Graham Alexander: “Going into each match you have to reset your expectations and prepare right for the challenge ahead.
“Every year you go (to Gillingham), you know it is not going to be an easy game.
“But, come Saturday at three o’clock, you have to be ready."
Previous Meeting:
Our last encounter with the Bantams came at Valley Parade when the Gills travelled to Bradford in April of this year.
An early goal from Tim Dieng in the 12th minute gave Gillingham control of the game, despite Bradford dominating the possession and passing statistics. Two goals from Andy Cook had the hosts in front in the 90th minute, before Oli Hawkins grabbed a leveller in the seventh minute of added time to earn a valuable point for the Gills. A 2-2 result on the day.
Head-to-Head:
Gillingham – 23
Draw – 17
Bradford City – 15
The two clubs first met in the old Division 4 in October of the 1961/62 season. Since then, the Gills have played this weekend’s visitors on a total of 55 occasions, taking 23 wins against the Bantams.
A single cup meeting came during our memorable 1999/2000 season, which saw the Gills take a 3-1 on the day at Priestfield. Peter Taylor's side went on to play Chelsea in the Quarter-Finals at Stamford Bridge.
Ticket Information:
Tickets can be purchased online via the link below. Alternatively you can buy over the phone by calling 01634 300000 or visit our ticket office within the new club shop.
BUY TICKETS | GILLS V BRADFORD CITY
Odds:
Gillingham Win – 13/10
Draw – 21/10
Bradford Win – 21/10
Special Bet: Oli Hawkins to score anytime – 3/1.
Match Officials:
Referee – Scott Jackson
Assistants – Conor Farrell & Ryan Head
Fourth Official – Stephen Brown